Page 107 of Sunrise Malice

“That’s my only goal in life. To fulfill you.”

“More like tofillme,” I say, waggling my eyebrows.

“Brianne, was that a dirty joke?” He grabs my ass and I laugh. “Itwas. Look at you.”

“Well, what did you expect? We crossed off everything on the stupid list. You’ve sullied me.”

“No, darling. I’ve expanded your horizons.”

“I’m used and ruined now.”

“Baby, there’s so much more we can explore. That’s the beauty of fucking you.”

“What a gentleman.” I roll my eyes, but I do love the way he’s always moving closer to me, always touching me, always grabbing my ass and kissing me. Like he can’t help himself.

“You’re going to be my queen,” Julien says, kissing my neck. “You and me, Brianne. We’re going to build something. No more ties back in France. No more Pascal questioning every move I make. It’s going to be us.”

“I like that,” I say, leaning into him. “And I love you.”

“I love you too.”

There’s a shout before he can kiss me again. I turn around and spot Jean picking his way toward us with several of the French soldiers in tow. He stops nearby, beaming at the pair of us, and Julien turns to face him.

“Brought the muscle,” he says, gesturing at the men. “What’s the plan, boss?”

Julien pauses for a moment. He puts a hand on the small of my back. Then he nods at the mansion.

“Let’s get to work.”

“Works for me,” Jeans says and waves a hand at the guys. “Hear that, boys? We got a job to do.”

“We’ve all got a job,” I say and head over to join them.

Chapter 48

Brianne

Six Months Later

Hammeringechoes down the empty halls. A power saw grinds through wood and someone laughs over the noise of a radio turned up loud enough to be heard past the commotion. I slowly push Kim’s wheelchair down the hall, pointing out all the places where we’ve already made changes.

“I’m going to be honest here,” Kim says, glancing up at me with a huge grin. “I am jealous as fuck.”

I laugh and she takes over pushing herself. We end up in an empty room, mostly finished, though totally without furniture. The walls are bare white and the mud between the drywall panels is still visible. I walk over to the window and look out over the quiet block as Kim turns slow circles behind me.

“I didn’t think you’d like it,” I admit to her. “I mean, after what happened.”

“That wasn’t the house’s fault.”

“True, but still. You know, trauma and all that.” I turn to her, refusing to let myself cry. These aren’t tears in my eyes—it’s just dust from the construction. “I’m still sorry, you know.”

Kim sighs and looks at the ceiling. She seems annoyed as she pushes herself over. “Brianne, for the millionth time,stop apologizing. It’s over, okay?”

“I know, but?—”

“But nothing. My physio’s going really good. I mean, crap, I barely even need this thing anymore.” She locks the wheels and grabs hold of my hand.

“Kim, hold on?—”

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